Hit records for pianist, Manchester delighted and Yavneh's tribute

Keys to success: Immanuel College student Raz Benson played it clever in his exams, obtaining four A*s

Just back from a summer programme at the Weizmann Institute in Israel, during which he played Chaim Weizmann’s piano, Immanuel College student Raz Benson hit the high notes at A-level, recording four A*s.

Raz will be reading natural sciences at Cambridge. Also off to Cambridge is head boy Joshua Cainer (three A*s), who will be studying law. A-level students at the Bushey school passed 65 per cent of exams at either A* or A, up from 54 per cent last year.

At Hasmonean in Barnet, one-fifth of students gained at least three A grades. Almost 44 per cent of exams were passed at A* and A and three-quarters were between A*-B. Executive head Rabbi David Meyer said the results were “the icing on the cake for what has been an exceptional year in which the school received accolades of outstanding from Ofsted and Pikuach and a commendation from the Secretary of State for Education”.

A-level results day was a new experience at Yavneh College in Borehamwood, where its first cohort of students celebrated results highlighted by a 23 per cent rate of A*s. Harry Moss received three A*s, Richard Reback and Jess Tray two A*s and one A.

Hasmonean's Abi Newman, Dina Ingram, Shulamit Lew and Aimee Marsden

Acting head Daniel Marcus said the results were “a fitting tribute to the leadership of the school’s inaugural head, Dr Dena Coleman, who sadly passed away in June. Dr Coleman had a special connection to this group of founding pupils and would have been especially proud of their achievements.”

Hannah Winston (two A*s and one A) led the way at King Solomon High in Redbridge, where almost 57 per cent of exams were passed between grades A*-B — and 83 per cent at grades C or better.

Among “excellent” results from Manchester’s King David High was an eight A haul from Avishav Engle (two A*s and six As). Sam Bentwood attained three A*s and one A. Around 45 per cent of grades were A* or A.

Manchester Mesivta pupils excelled despite sitting their exams a year early and devoting their mornings to a programme of kodesh studies. Mikey Kahan received four A*s, Motti Black, two As and a B and Alex Buchsbaum two As and two Bs.